Iron Girl coming to Grimsby

Grimsby Lincoln News

Ladies, grab your bikes and running shoes.

Last week, Iron Girl announced it was expanding into Canada with a debut event planned for Grimsby this summer.

“We are so excited to bring an Iron Girl event to Canadian soil,” said Judy Molnar, vice president of Iron Girl. “The Iron Girl event experience provides women with the perfect platform for first timers and experienced athletes to reach their personal bests. Whether your first event or 100th, there is a place for all women at Iron Girl. Iron Girl provides an opportunity for women to be part of something special that supports their personal pursuits of a healthy, active lifestyle.”

The women’s only triatholon consists of a 500-meter swim, 20-kilometre bike ride and a five-kilometre run. The Canadian debut takes place Aug. 11 at Nelles Beach Park.

“We are pleased and honored to host this first ever Canadian Iron Girl event in Grimsby,” said Mayor Bob Bentley. “As one of the most historic communities in Ontario, nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, at the start of the wine route of Niagara, we look forward to showing our guests why we are a community labeled ‘Friendly by Nature’. We wish the organizers much success in support of a very worthy cause.”

Through a partnership with Degree Women and Shoppers Drug Mart, the event will raise money for a cause important to most women. Athletes will be able to register online and collect pledges for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation through their participation in the race.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, one-third of breast cancers are preventable through diet, maintaining a healthier body weight and regular physical activity. Research undertaken by CBCF shows that women don’t know breast cancer risk can be reduced and that there are steps they can take to improve their breast health.

“In recent years, breast cancer mortality rates have decreased, yet incidence rates for Canadian women have remained the same,” said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region. “You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by living well. And participating in the Iron Girl Women’s Triathlon is a step in the right direction.”

Degree is the title sponsor for the event, while Shoppers is the presenting sponsor for the inaugural Canadian event.

“Degree Women is proud to be the title sponsor of the very first Iron Girl Canada,” said Sharon MacLeod, vice president of marketing, Unilever Canada. “The Degree brand celebrates those who push their limits and challenge themselves to do more, and this attitude is reflected in all of the amazing athletes who participate in the Iron Girl triathlon.”

Eleven-time Iron Man champion Lisa Bentley hopes other women will test the sport of triatholon through this women-only event.

“Having raced for 20 years in Ontario, I am proud to be part of the first ever Iron Girl triathlon in Canada and in my backyard,” said Lisa Bentley. “Sport has empowered me and has been my joy for half of my life and I want other women and girls to experience that same empowerment. Sport is for life and it is a lifestyle that will start with Iron Girl Canada this summer.”

Registration for the Grimsby Iron Girl event opens at noon Thursday, March 21.

Launched in 2004 with just two races, Iron Girl® has grown to include 26 events worldwide, varying in distance and type from 5K to half-marathon, duathlon and triathlon. With the mission of empowering women toward a healthy lifestyle, Iron Girl has celebrated finishers ranging in age from four to 89 years old, with an average age of 38 To register or learn more about Degree® Iron Girl® Canada presented by Shopper Drug Mart™, visit www.irongirl.com/events/canada.